63 of 250 Engraved Dan Wesson Monson 44V 44-V .44 Mag 6″ Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1475
LSB#: 210417RC16
Make: Dan Wesson Arms
Model: 44V, 63 of 250 Introductory Engraved Series
Serial Number: 000063
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .44 Magnum & Special Cartridges
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single And Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder
Markings: The right of the barrel is marked “DAN WESSON ARMS / .44 MAGNUM CTG.”, the right of the frame is marked “DAN WESSON ARMS / MONSON, MASS. U.S.A.” and with the serial number. The cylinder, sides of the frame, and barrel at the front and rear have scroll engraving.
Barrel Length: 6” Vent-Rib with Power Port
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with an orange insert, which is removable, pinned onto the ventilated rib. The rear sight is a square notched, white outlined target sight pinned to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is smooth rosewood with pewter DW medallions. The grip has no major defects, just light handling wear, and rates in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Dove Gray
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: The handgun retains about 99% of its finish. There are a few light handling marks, no major defects. There is a hardly visible turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition cosmetically but rates Good due to mechanics.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly in either single or double action, the trigger binds and the cylinder only rotates a little bit. This likely needs a thorough cleaning or has a broken spring, this seems to be common with Dan Wesson revolvers. The barrel can be removed with the included wrench, which allows easy cleaning. The barrel is internally ported and vents into the shroud, with a small escape hole on top, under the rib. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a serial matching box with a sleeve and two foam halves, a walnut presentation case with a tan felt inner liner, paperwork including the manual, limited edition certificate, and a sealed barrel wrench & feeler gauge. The box sleeve has corner and edge wear with some scuffs and a couple little tears, the foam has some minor cracks, in Very Good-Fine condition. The case has a clean interior but has a crack on the lid, the crack appears to be a defect in the wood and does not appear to be a result of abuse, in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Dan Wesson Model 44V Limited Edition number 63 of 250. It was made to introduce the model and features a dove gray finish, beautiful engraving, removable 6” barrel, and a rosewood grip. Not since the original open-top percussion revolvers from Colt was it so easy for the user to change the barrel on a revolver. This design allows the shooter to change barrels and grips very quickly with the included wrench so you can suit one frame to just about any shooting you’d like. Though not as popular as some other manufacturers, Dan Wesson earned a reputation, which continues to this day, of fine quality craftsmanship and innovative design. This one does not function correctly currently, but this seems to be a common problem with these either from an internal spring or the grip screw being too long, or it may just need a good cleaning. Once the mechanics work this will be an easy Excellent condition revolver. That being said, it was limited to 250 pieces so collectors may not even want to bother with trying t make it work…it likely wont be shot anyway. Please see our photos and good luck!